As National Road Safety Week winds up Manitoba RCMP note during the pandemic driving patterns have changed for many people.  Although people are making fewer trips they note drivers appear to be engaging in riskier driving behaviors particularly speeding and impaired driving. They report in 2020 there were 1191 impaired driving charges laid by Manitoba RCMP and so far in 2021 officers have charged 323. When it comes to speeding the numbers are also concerning as in 2020 20,515 drivers were charged with speeding and so far in 2021 they have charged 7163. 

Acting Enforcement Commander with Manitoba Traffic Services Sergeant Mark Hume states what is really concerning is the high rates of speed they are seeing.  In March and April of this year alone they have issued 106 tickets to drivers speeding by more than 50 kilometers per hour over the speed limit compared to 48 during the same period last year. 

Hume urges drivers to remember the basics of safe driving which are drive sober, slow down, be alert and buckle up.